It’s time for your semi-annual dental visit, but you’re thinking of putting it off. After all, you brush your teeth every day and floss every day, right? Your teeth seem fine. So why do you need to visit the dentist? Why is a professional teeth cleaning so important?
Beavers & Broomfield Family Dentistry does more than just clean your teeth when you visit. We conduct a thorough examination to identify any potential issues and address minor problems before they escalate into major ones.
There are several reasons why you should visit a dentist regularly for general dentistry services. Let’s examine a few of those reasons.
Why Professional Teeth Cleaning Matters
Why do you need teeth cleaning from a dentist when you brush and floss your teeth at home? Professional teeth cleaning and preventative dentistry do more than just clean the surface of your teeth.
A professional teeth cleaning not only cleans your teeth but also polishes them. The tools we use do more than wipe off surface plaque. They clean the tooth more completely than a toothbrush. We also use gritty toothpaste to polish the tooth’s surface. This smooths it and makes it more difficult for plaque, bacteria, and even stains to slip below the surface.
We also use scrapers during teeth cleanings to remove hardened plaque, also known as tartar. A toothbrush can’t remove tartar. Because most tartar is near the gums, it’s safest to have your dentist remove it.
Some tartar may even extend below the gum line; in this case, we can remove it far more safely than you could at home. (You should never use sharp instruments on your teeth!)
We can also remove plaque and tartar better from between your teeth. All of this removes bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Regular dental check-ups help prevent tooth decay and prevent gum disease.
But a dental visit is about much more than just cleaning your teeth.
Why Dental X-Rays and Imaging Are Essential
Regular checkups include dental x-rays and/or digital imaging. Why are regular checkups essential? The best cavity prevention is to identify problem areas before they turn into cavities.
Dental X-rays can spot problems below the surface of the gums or of the tooth’s enamel. Digital images and X-rays can help identify weakened areas of the enamel where cavities may be forming. We can fortify these areas with a fluoride treatment or even a dental sealant to prevent cavities.
Dental X-rays are essential for children because they help us determine whether their teeth and jaws are developing correctly. We can assess whether they will experience any issues with their teeth erupting, and we have methods to help your child’s teeth and jaws develop properly.
How to Prevent Cavities From Getting Worse
What happens if you do have a cavity? Not all cavities cause pain or can be easily seen. Cavities cause pain when they make their way through the enamel and dentin and reach the inner core of the tooth called the pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are.
In some cases, dental pain can occur when a cavity reaches the dentin and bacteria enter through tiny tubules to reach the pulp. Either way, by the time you feel pain, the cavity has embedded itself in the tooth.
What about cavities that don’t hurt yet? You could also have cavities in places that are hard to see, such as between your teeth or beneath the gum line.
Your dentist can detect these cavities during your dental examination, either through X-rays and digital imaging or by visual inspection. We’re trained to identify the signs of tooth decay, and we position you and your mouth to make them more visible.
What can we do? We can clean out the cavity and fill it, but your dentist can do much more. We can help you or your child prevent cavities with fluoride treatments that help strengthen your enamel or dental sealants that block bacteria from penetrating the tooth.
Checking for Gum Disease During Dental Visits
Dentists don’t just check your teeth during dental visits. Oral health includes the entire mouth. That means we examine your cheeks and tongue, and especially your gums.
Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss. Swollen, red, or bleeding gums are all early signs of gum disease. Left untreated, it can worsen to include infection and tooth loss.
We clean your gums when we clean your teeth. That includes flossing, which cleans the area between your teeth and your gums. We check for signs of gum disease and can make recommendations on what to do if we spot any indications of the condition. This can include various types of treatment, depending on the extent of your gum disease progression.
How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?
How often should you visit the dentist? Those with healthy teeth and gums should visit the dentist once every six months for a thorough professional teeth cleaning and examination. You may need to see the dentist more frequently if you have certain conditions that increase your risk of gum disease or tooth decay.
Chronic diseases such as diabetes, treatments with certain medications including chemotherapy, and pregnancy can make you more prone to gum disease or tooth decay. In such cases, it may be beneficial to visit the dentist more frequently to maintain good oral health.
Professional Teeth Cleaning in Fayetteville, AR
The benefits of good oral health are enormous. Healthy teeth and gums make it easier to eat, drink, speak, sleep, and even breathe. It’s essential to address dental problems before they worsen.
Do you need a professional teeth cleaning and examination in Fayetteville, AR? Schedule an appointment with Beavers & Broomfield Family Dentistry. We can help you keep a healthy mouth and a clean, beautiful smile.
